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(688?-741). In 732 Charles Martel and his Christian Frankish army fought a crucial battle near Tours, France. Their foes were Muslims, also known as Saracens. In only 100 years following the death of the prophet Muhammad, the Muslims had built up a vast empire that stretched from Persia (now Iran) westward through the Middle East and across northern Africa. They had gained a foothold in Europe by taking Spain and were poised to advance into the region that is now France.